Scotland initiates consultation to legalize same-sex marriage

SCOTLAND – The Scottish government has launched their promised consultation on marriage equality for Scotland. The government’s initial view is to support the introduction of same-sex marriage. The introduction to the consultation paper by Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon states, “The Scottish government is choosing to make its initial views clear at the outset of this consultation. We tend towards the view that religious ceremonies for civil partnerships should no longer be prohibited and that same-sex marriage should be introduced so that same-sex couples have the option of getting married if that is how they wish to demonstrate their commitment to each other. We also believe that no religious body or its celebrants should be required to carry out same-sex marriages or civil partnership ceremonies.”

A recent Scottish Social Attitudes survey found that more than 60 percent of people in Scotland believe same-sex couples should have the right to marry, compared with 19 percent who disagree.

Scottish government ministers and officials have said they intend to meet key groups to discuss the proposals. Marriages registered in accordance with Scottish law are recognized in the rest of the U.K. At present, same-sex couples are banned from marriage in the U.K.

Tim Hopkins, director of the Equality Network said, “We very much welcome this consultation and the Scottish government’s initial view in favor of introducing same-sex marriage. The introduction of marriage equality in this term of the Scottish parliament would add to Scotland’s reputation as a modern, fair and inclusive country.”